Clip for joining reinforced members for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns

ABSTRACT

A clip for joining reinforcing members, which includes a first pair of legs, each of the legs of the first pair of legs having a portion having a curvature thereto and adapted to wrap around a lower surface of a first reinforcing member, a second pair of legs, each of the legs of the second pair of legs having an inner surface adapted to exert a force against at least a portion of a side surface of a second reinforcing member, the second reinforcing member residing perpendicular to the first reinforcing member, and a mid-portion, which connects the first pair of legs to the second pair of legs, and wherein the mid-portion is formed by crossing the first pair of legs over one another.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/027,585, filed Feb. 15, 2011, which is aContinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/967,769,filed Dec. 31, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,886,498, which are incorporatedherein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to a system and method of joiningreinforcing members for use in concrete slabs and/or columns, and moreparticularly, a clip for joining reinforcing members for use inreinforced concrete slabs and/or columns.

BACKGROUND

In the manufacture of reinforced concrete structures, such as concretepipes or columns, walls, slabs, and the like, it is important that thesteel reinforcement, typically in the form of welded-wire mesh, beproperly positioned in the cross section of the designed structure.Improper positioning of the reinforcement degrades the structuralintegrity of the unit and, in a severe case, can lead to structuralfailure. Moreover, as labor skill and costs are significant factors inthe manufacture of reinforced concrete structures, it is also importantthat the positioning of the reinforcement be carried out in an accurate,and as simple and straightforward manner as possible. Heretofore it hasbeen the practice of manually wrapping a tie wire around theintersecting steel reinforcing members (i.e., rebar) in walls, mats,piers, tie beams, slabs, etc.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, a clip for joining reinforcingmembers comprises: a first pair of legs, each of the legs of the firstpair of legs having a portion having a curvature thereto and adapted towrap around a lower surface of a first reinforcing member; a second pairof legs, each of the legs of the second pair of legs having an innersurface adapted to exert a force against at least a portion of a sidesurface of a second reinforcing member, the second reinforcing memberresiding perpendicular to the first reinforcing member; and amid-portion, which connects the first pair of legs to the second pair oflegs, and wherein the mid-portion is formed by crossing the first pairof legs over one another.

In accordance with another embodiment, a system for joining reinforcingmembers comprises: a first reinforcing member; a second reinforcingmember, which resides perpendicular to the first reinforcing member; anda clip comprising: a first pair of legs, each of the legs of the firstpair of legs having a portion having a curvature thereto and adapted towrap around a lower surface of the first reinforcing member; a secondpair of legs, each of the legs of the second pair of legs having aninner surface adapted to exert a force against at least a portion of aside surface of the second reinforcing member; and a mid-portion, whichconnects the first pair of legs to the second pair of legs, and whereinthe mid-portion is formed by crossing the first pair of legs over oneanother.

In accordance with a further embodiment, a method of joining reinforcingmembers comprises: positioning a first reinforcing member perpendicularto a second reinforcing member; and attaching the first reinforcingmember to the second reinforcing member with a clip, the clipcomprising: a first pair of legs, each of the legs of the first pair oflegs having a portion having a curvature thereto and adapted to wraparound a lower surface of the first reinforcing member; a second pair oflegs, each of the legs of the second pair of legs having an innersurface adapted to exert a force against at least a portion of a sidesurface of the second reinforcing member; and a mid-portion, whichconnects the first pair of legs to the second pair of legs, and whereinthe mid-portion is formed by crossing the first pair of legs over oneanother.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, exemplary embodiments will be explained in greaterdetail in reference to drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clip for joining reinforcing membersfor use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance withone embodiment.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of a clip for joining reinforcingmembers for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns inaccordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a clip for joining reinforcing members for usein reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with anotherembodiment.

FIG. 4 is an end view of a clip for joining reinforcing members for usein reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a clip for joining reinforcing members for usein reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with anotherembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the clip for joining reinforcing members foruse in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns as shown in FIG. 5 inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a clip for joining reinforcing members for usein reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with anotherembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a clip for joining reinforcing members for usein reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with a furtherembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a clip for joining reinforcing members for usein reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns of FIG. 8 in accordance withan embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a clip for joining reinforcing membersfor use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance withone embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a clip for joining reinforcing membersfor use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns wherein the clip issecuring a pair of reinforcing members to one another.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a clip for joining reinforcing membersfor use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance withanother embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a clip for joining reinforcing membersfor use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with afurther exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a clip for joining reinforcing membersfor use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a clip for joining reinforcing members for usein reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with a furtherexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a clip for joining reinforcing members for usein reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordance with a furtherexemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with an embodiment, a clip 100 for joining reinforcingmembers 400, 500 for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns isshown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the clip 100 is comprised of afirst wire member 200 and a second wire member 300, which join or attacha pair of structural members 400, 500 together. The first wire member200 includes an upper mid-portion 230 and pair of legs 220, which arepreferably parallel to one another. Each of the legs 220 has a hookportion 210, which is adapted to wrap around a lower surface 520 of afirst reinforcing member 500. The hook portion 210 of the first wiremember 200 includes a pair of first ends 240 (FIG. 2), which preferablyextend around the lower surface 520 of the first reinforcing member 500.In accordance with an embodiment, the ends 240 of the first wire member200 extends slightly upward towards an upper surface 510 of the firstreinforcing member 500 along a side edge or surface 530 of the firstreinforcing member 500.

The second wire member 300 has a lower mid-portion 320 sized to seat onan upper surface 410 of a second reinforcing member 400, which residesperpendicular to the first reinforcing member 500. Each end 330 of thelower mid-portion 320 extends outward, wraps around an outer portion 250of the upper mid-portion 230 of the first wire member 200 at least once,and extends parallel to the second reinforcing member 400 to form ahandle portion 310.

It can be appreciated that the handle portion 310 can be rectangular,oval or any other suitable shape. For example, in accordance with anembodiment, the handle portion 310 is comprised of a pair of parallelhandle members 312, which extend parallel to the second reinforcingmember 400. In accordance with an embodiment, the pair of parallelhandle members 312 each has an end 314, which are preferably weldedtogether so that the handle portion 310 has a smooth feel withoutabrasive edges and/or corners. However, it can be appreciated that forease of manufacturing, in an alternative embodiment, the ends 314 of thesecond wire member 300 are not welded together, and are bent or formedinto the handle portion 310.

The clip 100 (i.e., the first and the second wire members 200, 300) ispreferably made of a stiff resiliently yielding material, such as springsteel. In accordance with an embodiment, the clip 100 (i.e., the firstand second wire members 200, 300) can be made from a high-carbon springsteel, an alloy spring steel, a stainless spring steel, a copper-basespring alloy, and/or a nickel-base spring alloy.

The first and second reinforcing members 400, 500 can be a wire mesh,steel reinforcing rods or members (i.e., steel rebar) or any othersuitable material, which is used for reinforced concrete and reinforcedmasonry structures, including concrete slabs and/or columns. Inaccordance with an embodiment, the first and second reinforcing members400, 500 are steel reinforcing members (i.e., rebar) formed from carbonsteel with a plurality ridges (or grooves) 600, which extend around theouter circumference of the reinforcing members 400, 500, and alsoextending longitudinally or lengthwise. In accordance with anembodiment, the ridges (or grooves) 600 can be a plurality of circularrings or other suitable circular pattern or shape. Alternatively, it canbe appreciated that other non-circular patterns can be used. It can beappreciated that in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns, the ridges(or grooves) 600 provide frictional adhesion for the concrete. Inaddition, the first and second reinforcing members 400, 500 preferablyhave a coefficient of expansion, which is approximately equal to that ofthe concrete to provide for a stable slab and/or column.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of a clip 100 for joining reinforcingmembers 400, 500 for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns inaccordance with an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the hook portions 210of the first wire member 200 extend from the mid-portion 230 outward andthen extend downward. The hook portions 210 of the first wire member 200are preferably dimensioned (i.e., length thereof) to extend around thelower surface 520 of the first reinforcing member 500, and optionally,the hook portions 210 of the first wire member 200 can have a slightupward curve on the end thereof, such that a portion of the hookportions 210 extend along a side edge 530 of the first reinforcingmember 400.

During use, upon movement of the handle portion 310 from an openposition (i.e., first position) to a closed position (i.e., secondposition), the lower mid-portion 320 of the second wire member 300imparts a downward load (or pressure) on the second reinforcing member400, which translates into an upward lift or pressure on thedisplacement of the hook portions 210 about the lower surface 520 andthe side edge 530 of the first reinforcing member 500. In accordancewith an embodiment, the lower mid-portion 320 of the second wire member300 imparts the downward load on the second reinforcing member 400 bymovement of the handle portion 310 of the clip 100 to the same side ofthe first reinforcing member 500 as the hook portion 210 (i.e., as shownin FIG. 1 and by movement of the handle portion 310 in the direction ofthe arrow in FIG. 1). Alternatively, in accordance with anotherembodiment, the clip 100 can impart a downward load (or pressure) on thesecond reinforcing member 400 by movement of the handle portion 310 tothe opposite side of the first reinforcing member 500 as the hookportion 210 (i.e., as shown in FIG. 2 and by movement of the handleportion in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2). Accordingly, it can beappreciated that by adjusting the relative positions of the uppermid-portion 230, the hook portion 210, the lower mid-portion 320 and thehandle portion 310 to one another, the clip 100 can be designed suchthat the handle portion 310 of the clip 100 can be in a closed positionby the positioning the handle portion 310 on either the same or theopposite side of the first reinforcing member 500 as the hook portion210.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a clip 100 for joining reinforcing members400, 500 in an open position (i.e., a first position) in accordance withan embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the clip 100 includes a first wiremember 200, which includes a pair of parallel legs 220, which areconfigured to wrap around a lower surface 520 of a first reinforcingmember 500. The first wire member 200 also includes an upper mid-portion230. The second wire member 300 includes a lower mid-portion 320, whichextends outward and wraps around at least once an outer portion 250 ofthe upper mid-portion 230 of the first wire member 200. The second wiremember 300 also includes a handle portion 310. During use, the handleportion 310 is preferably configured to be grasped by an installer oruser and moved from a first position, wherein the lower mid-portion 320of the second wire member 300 is seated on an upper surface 410 of thesecond reinforcing member 400 and a second position, wherein the handleportion 310 moves from the first position to the second position,wherein the lower mid-portion 320 of the second wire member 300 assertsa downward pressure or load on the upper surface 410 of the secondreinforcing member 400 and wherein the hook portions 210 of the firstwire member 200 asserts an upward pressure or load on the lower surface520 of the first reinforcing member 500, which results in the first andsecond reinforcing members 400, 500 be held in a fixed position, whichis preferably perpendicular to one another.

FIG. 4 is an end view of a clip 100 for joining reinforcing members 400,500 for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordancewith an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the lower mid-portion 320 of thesecond wire member 300 rests on the upper surface 410 of the secondreinforcing member 400 when the clip 100 is initially applied orattached to the first and second reinforcing members 400, 500. Inaccordance with an embodiment, the lower mid-portion 320 has a curvedsaddle 322, which is adapted to wrap around an upper surface 410 of thesecond reinforcing member 400 and more preferably the curved saddleportion 322 fits within the ridge (or groove) 600 of the secondreinforcing member 400.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are side views of a clip 100 showing a method of joiningreinforcing members 400, 500 for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/orcolumns in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, themethod of joining reinforcing members 400, 500 includes positioning afirst reinforcing member 500 perpendicular to a second reinforcingmember 400, and attaching the first reinforcing member 500 to the secondreinforcing member 400 with a clip 100. The clip 100 includes a firstwire member 200 having an upper mid-portion 230 and pair of parallellegs 220, each of the parallel legs 220 having a hook portion 210adapted to wrap around a lower surface 520 of the first reinforcingmember 500. A second wire member 300 having a lower mid-portion 320 issized to rest on an upper surface 410 of the second reinforcing member400, each end 330 of the lower mid-portion 320 extends outward and wrapsaround an outer portion of the upper mid-portion 230 of the first wiremember 200 at least once and extending parallel to the secondreinforcing member 400 to form a handle portion.

In accordance with an embodiment, the step of attaching the firstreinforcing member 500 to the second reinforcing member 400 with a clip100 further includes hooking the hook portion 210 around the lowersurface 520 of the first reinforcing member 500. The handle portion 310is then moved from a first position wherein the lower mid-portion 320 ofthe second wire member 300 is resting on an upper surface 410 of thesecond reinforcing member 400 to a second position wherein themid-portion 320 of the second wire member 300 imposes a downward load(or pressure) on the second reinforcing member 400. The downward load(or pressure) on the second reinforcing member 400 translates intoupward lift or force of the hook portions 210 around the lower surface520 of the first reinforcing member 500.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a clip 100 for joining reinforcing members 400,500 for use in reinforced concrete slabs and columns in accordance withanother embodiment. The clip 100 includes a first wire member 200 anupper mid-portion 230 and pair of parallel legs 220, each of theparallel legs 220 having a hook portion 210 adapted to wrap around alower surface 520 of a first reinforcing member 500, and a second wiremember 300 having a lower mid-portion 320 sized to seat on an uppersurface 410 of a second reinforcing member 400, which residesperpendicular to the first reinforcing member 500. Each end 330 of thelower mid-portion 320 extends outward and wraps around an outer portionof the upper mid-portion 230 of the first wire member 200 at least onceand extending parallel to the second reinforcing member 400 to form ahandle portion 310 of the clip 100.

As shown in FIG. 7, in accordance with an embodiment, the handle portion310 includes a narrow neck portion 316 and a wide handle portion 318.The wide handle portion 318 extends outward from the narrow neck portion316. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the wide handle portion318 is sized to fit within the palm of the installer and/or user.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are side views of a clip 100 showing another method ofjoining reinforcing members 400, 500 for use in reinforced concreteslabs and/or columns. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the method of joiningreinforcing members 400, 500 includes positioning a first reinforcingmember 500 perpendicular to a second reinforcing member 400, andattaching the first reinforcing member 500 to the second reinforcingmember 400 with a clip 100. The clip 100 includes a first wire member200 having an upper mid-portion 230 and pair of parallel legs 220, eachof the parallel legs 220 having a hook portion 210 adapted to wraparound a lower surface 520 of the first reinforcing member 500. A secondwire member 300 having a lower mid-portion 320 is sized to rest on anupper surface 410 of the second reinforcing member 400, each end 322 ofthe lower mid-portion 320 extends outward and wraps around an outerportion of the upper mid-portion 230 of the first wire member 200 atleast once and extending parallel to the second reinforcing member 400to form a handle portion 310. The handle portion 320 is preferably open,such that the ends 314 of the handle portion 310 are configured to hookand/or wrap around a lower surface 420 of the second reinforcing member400.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a clip 700 for joining reinforcingmembers 400, 500 for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, theclip 700 has a first pair of legs (or first set of fork-like members)710, a second pair of legs (or second set of fork-like members) 730, anda mid-portion 720, which extends between the first and second pairs ofthe legs 710, 730. Each of the legs 712, 714 of the first pair of legs710 preferably has a portion 718 having a curvature therein, which isadapted to wrap around a lower surface of a first reinforcing member400. An inner surface of each of the legs 732, 734 of the second pair oflegs 730 is preferably adapted or configured to wrap around at least aportion of a side surface of a second reinforcing member 500. Amid-portion (or connection member) 720 connects the first pair of legs710 to the second pair of legs 730.

As shown in FIG. 10, the first pair of legs 710 includes a pairs of legs712, 714, each of which includes a slight bend and/or curvature thereto718, which assists with the securing of an upper edge thereof to anunderneath portion of the second reinforcing member 500. The pairs oflegs 710 are preferably approximately 1.0 inches to 5.0 inches in lengthfor securing reinforcing members 400, 500 having an outer diameter ofapproximately 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches, and more preferablyapproximately 1.0 to 2.5 inches in length to the mid-portion 720 of theclip 700. It can be appreciated that the length of the legs 712, 714 ofthe first pair of legs 710 is preferably a function of the size (i.e.,diameter) of the reinforcing members 400, 500.

The second pair of legs 730 extends from the opposite end 728 of themid-portion 720 downward and around each side or edge of the firstreinforcing member 400. The second pair of legs 730 can be comprised ofone or more wires, which extends downward to form a loop at lower endthereof as shown in FIG. 10. It can be appreciated that the loop at theother end (i.e., second end) 728 of the mid-portion 720 of the clip 700as shown in FIG. 10 is optional, and the clip 700 can be manufacturedwith a single wire pair of legs 720 rather the looped pair of legs 730as shown in FIG. 10. For example, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment, the second pair of legs 730 can be a pair of single wires ormembers (i.e., no looping of the wire), which can be a weld or affixedby any suitable means to the other end or second end 728 of themid-portion of the clip 700. Each of the legs 732, 734 of the secondpair of legs is preferably approximately 0.5 inches to 3.0 inches inlength for securing reinforcing members 400, 500 having an outerdiameter of approximately 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches, and more preferablyapproximately 1.0 to 2.5 inches in length to the mid-portion 720 of theclip 700. It can be appreciated that the length of the legs 732, 734 ofthe second pair of legs 730 is preferably a function of the size (i.e.,diameter) of the reinforcing members 400, 500.

The mid portion 720 of the clip 700 extends between the first and secondpair of legs 710, 730, and provides leverage to secure the clip 700 tothe two reinforcing member 400, 500. The mid portion 720 is preferablybetween approximately 0.5 to 5 inches, and more preferably approximately1.0 to 3.0 inches in length.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the clip 700 can bemanufactured from one or more wires or other members. As shown in FIG.10, when constructed from a pair of wires, at each end 716, 728 (i.e., afirst end and a second end, respectively) of the mid-portion 720, thewires are preferably wrapped around one another. In accordance with anexemplary embodiment as shown, the clip 700 can be manufactured withoutthe need to weld the pair of wires to one another. Alternatively, theclip 700 can be manufactured or formed from one or more wires, which arewelded to another. As such, rather than having the wires wrapped aroundone another as shown in FIG. 10, the mid-portion 720 can be a singlewire or member, which is welded to a pair of legs (or fork-like members)710 at one end 716 and a second pair of legs (or fork-like members) 730at the other end 728.

FIG. 11 is perspective view of a clip for joining reinforcing members400, 500 for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns wherein theclip 700 is securing a pair of reinforcing members 500, 600 to oneanother. As shown in FIG. 11, the first pair of legs 710 is adapted towrap underneath and/or around a lower surface of a second reinforcingmember 500. The second pair of legs 730 is configured to wrap aroundeach of the respective sides of the first reinforcing member 400. Themid-portion 720 extends from the first pair of legs 710 to the secondpair of legs 730 and creates tension on the second reinforcing member500 and the second reinforcing member 400 such that during use, the tworeinforcing members 400, 500 are pressed tightly together and cannotmove in any directions including vertically and/or horizontally.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 11, thefirst pair of legs 710 extends from an upper portion of the firstreinforcing member 400 and underneath a lower portion or surface of thesecond reinforcing member 500. If, the first pairs of legs 710 has acurvature thereto, which exceed the diameter (or width) of the first andsecond reinforcing members 400, 500, the ends of the first pair of legs710 will extend partially around a lower side or portion of the firstreinforcing member 400. The mid-portion 720 rests on or slightly above,an upper surface of the first reinforcing member 400. The second pair oflegs 730 extends from the opposite end 728 of the mid-portion 720downward and around each side or edge of the first reinforcing member400. Although the ends of the second pair of legs 730 are shown asextending towards the first pair of legs 710, it can be appreciated thatthe second pair of legs 730 can extend slightly towards the first pairof legs 710, approximately perpendicular to the side or edge of thefirst reinforcing member 400 upon which it sits, and/or slightly awayfrom the first pair of legs 710.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the clip 700 is preferablymade of a stiff resiliently yielding material, such as spring steel.However, it can be appreciated that the clip 700 can be made from ahigh-carbon spring steel, an alloy spring steel, a stainless springsteel, a copper-base spring alloy, a nickel-base spring alloy and/or anycombination thereof.

The first and second reinforcing members 400, 500 can be a wire mesh,steel reinforcing rods or members (i.e., steel rebar) or any othersuitable material, which is used for reinforced concrete and reinforcedmasonry structures, including concrete slabs and/or columns. Inaccordance with an embodiment, the first and second reinforcing members400, 500 are steel reinforcing members (i.e., rebar) formed from carbonsteel with a plurality ridges (or grooves) 600, which extend around theouter circumference of the reinforcing members 400, 500, and alsoextending longitudinally or lengthwise. In accordance with anembodiment, the ridges (or grooves) 600 can be a plurality of circularrings or other suitable circular pattern or shape. Alternatively, it canbe appreciated that other non-circular patterns can be used. It can beappreciated that in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns, the ridges(or grooves) 600 provide frictional adhesion for the concrete. Inaddition, the first and second reinforcing members 400, 500 preferablyhave a coefficient of expansion, which is approximately equal to that ofthe concrete to provide for a stable slab and/or column.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a clip 700 for joining reinforcingmembers for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns inaccordance with another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the clip 700can be manufactured or formed from one or more wires, which are twistedtogether and/or alternatively, welded to one another. In accordance withan exemplary embodiment, the mid-portion 720 can be a single or pair ofwires or members, which is welded to a pair of legs (or fork-likemembers) 710 at one end 716 and a second pair of legs (or fork-likemembers) 730 at the other end 728. As shown in FIG. 12, each of thesecond pair of legs 730 can be a single leg (or member), which extendsdownward from the second end 728 of the mid portion 720 of the clip 700.In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, if the clip is formed bywelding one or more wires to one another, each of the legs of the firstand second pair of legs 710, 730 is preferably a single wire and/ormember, and the mid-portion 720 is a single wire and/or member, ratherthan a pair of wires as shown in FIGS. 10-12.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a clip 800 for joining reinforcingmembers 400, 500 for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns inaccordance with a further exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, theclip 800 includes a first pair of legs 810, a mid-portion 820, and asecond pair of legs 830. Each of the legs (or fork-like members) 812,814 of the first pair of legs 810 has a portion having a curvaturethereto and adapted to wrap around a lower surface 402 of a firstreinforcing member 400. The legs 812, 814 of the first pair of legs 810includes a distal end 816 and a proximal end 818. The distal end 816 ofthe first pair of legs 810 is a free end and the proximal end 818 of thefirst pair of legs 810 forms a part of the transition from the firstpair of legs 810 to the mid-portion 820.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, each of the legs 832, 834(FIG. 14) of the second pair of legs 830 has an inner surface 836adapted to exert a force against at least a portion of a side surface502 of a second reinforcing member 500. The second reinforcing member500 preferably resides perpendicular to the first reinforcing member400. The mid-portion 820 connects the first pair of legs 810 to thesecond pair of legs 820. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, afirst end 822 of the mid-portion 820 is formed by crossing the proximalend 818 of the first pair of legs 810 over one another. The mid-portion820 includes a proximal portion 824, a mid or middle portion 826, and adistal portion 828. The distal portion 828 of the mid-portion 820transitions the mid-portion 820 of the clip 800 to the second pair oflegs 830. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, each of the legs812, 814 of the first pair of legs 810 includes a hook portion 811,which extend outward from a mid-portion 813 of each of the first pair oflegs 810.

As shown in FIG. 13, each of the second pair of legs 830 includes aninner portion 838 having an inner surface 836, which exerts a forceagainst at least a portion of a side surface 502 of a second reinforcingmember 500 and an outer portion 840 thereto. The inner portion 838 ofthe second pair of legs 830 are adapted to wrap around the side surface502 of the second reinforcing member 500. In accordance with anexemplary embodiment, the inner portion 838 of the second pair of legs830 do not wrap around and/or underneath a lower surface of the secondreinforcing member 500. Rather, the inner portion 838 extends downwardon only a side surface 502 of the second reinforcing member 500.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the second pair of legs 830comprises a partial inner loop, which fits around the side surface 502of the second reinforcing member 500. The second pair of legs 830 inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment comprises a pair of outerpartial loops 842, which extend downward, and an inner partial loop 844,which extends upward. The outer partial loops 842 are preferablyU-shaped, and the inner partial loop 844 is U-shaped, the outer partialloops 842 facing an opposite direction of the inner partial loop 844.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, when a downward load isimposed on the second pair of legs 830, the load translates into anupward lift of the first pair of legs 810 around the lower surface 402of the first reinforcing member 400. The clip 800 is preferably formedfrom a single piece of wire. However, one or more pieces or wire orwire-like material can be used to form the clip 800. In accordance withan exemplary embodiment, the clip 800 is formed of a stiff resilientlyyielding material, such as spring steel.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a clip 800 for joining reinforcingmembers 400, 500 for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, theclip 800 includes a first pair of legs 810, a mid-portion 820, and asecond pair of legs 830. Each of the legs of the first pair of legs 810has a portion having a curvature thereto and adapted to wrap around alower surface 402 of a first reinforcing member 400. Each of the secondpair of legs 830 has an inner surface adapted to exert a force againstat least a portion of a side surface 502 of a second reinforcing member500, the second reinforcing member 500 residing perpendicular to thefirst reinforcing member 400.

As shown in FIG. 14, the mid-portion 820 connects the first pair of legs810 to the second pair of legs 830, and wherein a first end 822 of themid-portion 820 is formed by crossing the proximal end 818 of the firstpair of legs 810 over one another. In accordance with an exemplaryembodiment, the proximal ends 818 of the first pair of legs 810 arewelded and/or attached to one another as the proximal end 818 of each ofthe wires extends from one edge to an opposite edge. For example, adroplet or small drop of an adhesive on an outer edge of one or more ofthe wires. The first pair of legs 810 extend rearward from a proximalportion 824 of the mid-portion 820 through a mid-portion 826 of themid-portion 820. The mid-portion 826 extends to a distal portion 828 ofthe mid-portion 820, and then forms the second pair of legs 830.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the clip 800 is formed froma single wire. In addition, the clip 800 can be attached or used to joinreinforcing members 400, 500 of different diameters and/or sizes. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 13, the reinforcing members 400, 500 have thesame diameter. Meanwhile, in FIG. 14, the reinforcing members 400, 500have different diameters, e.g., the first reinforcing member 400 has asmaller diameter than the second reinforcing member 500.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a clip 800 for joining reinforcing members400, 500 for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns inaccordance with a further exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15,each of the legs 812, 814 of the first pair of legs 810 has a portionhaving a curvature thereto and adapted to wrap around a lower surface ofa first reinforcing member 400. The legs 812, 814 of the first pair oflegs 810 includes a distal end 816 and a proximal end 818. The distalend 816 of the first pair of legs 810 is a free end and the proximal end818 of the first pair of legs 810 forms a part of the transition fromthe first pair of legs 810 to the mid-portion 820.

Each of the legs 812, 814 of the first pair of legs 810 has a distal end816, which includes a free end, which extends upward from themid-portion 813 of the first pair of legs 810 of the clip 800. As shownin FIG. 15, the distal ends 816 have a length thereto and upwardextension of only a portion of the proximal end 818. For example, asshown in FIG. 15, the distal end portion or free end 816 of each of thelegs 812, 814 extends upward from the mid-portion 813 approximately 10to 90 percent of the relative distance to the mid-portion 820 of theclip 800, and more preferably approximately 25 to 75 percent of thedistance of the mid-portion 820. In accordance with an exemplaryembodiment, by extending upward only a portion of the length as shown inFIG. 15, the distal end 816 or free end portion of the clip 800 wrapsaround a lower surface 402 of a first reinforcing member 400 with easeas compared to a fully curved distal end 816.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a clip 800 for joining reinforcing members 400,500 for use in reinforced concrete slabs and/or columns in accordancewith a further exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the first end822 of the mid-portion 820 is formed by crossing the proximal end 818 ofthe first pair of legs 810 over one another. The first pair of legs 810cross over one another to form the proximal portion 824 of themid-portion 820 of the clip 800 and extends rearward to the distalportion 828. As shown in FIG. 16, the mid-portion 826 of the clip 800includes a pair of wires and/or members, which extend rearward in agenerally parallel arrangement to one another.

The first pairs of legs 810 are preferably approximately 1.0 inches to5.0 inches in length for securing reinforcing members 400, 500 having anouter diameter of approximately 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches, and morepreferably approximately 1.0 to 2.5 inches in length to the mid-portion820 of the clip 800. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, thelength of the legs 812, 814 of the first pair of legs 810 is preferablya function of the size (i.e., diameter) of the reinforcing members 400,500.

It will be understood that the foregoing description is of the preferredembodiments, and is, therefore, merely representative of the system andmethods of use of the same. It can be appreciated that many variationsand modifications of the different embodiments in light of the aboveteachings will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments, as well as alternativeembodiments, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe articles and methods as set forth in the attached claims.

1. A clip for joining reinforcing members comprising: a first pair oflegs, each of the legs of the first pair of legs having a portion havinga curvature thereto and adapted to wrap around a lower surface of afirst reinforcing member; a second pair of legs, each of the legs of thesecond pair of legs having an inner surface adapted to exert a forceagainst at least a portion of a side surface of a second reinforcingmember, the second reinforcing member residing perpendicular to thefirst reinforcing member; and a mid-portion, which connects the firstpair of legs to the second pair of legs, and wherein the mid-portion isformed by crossing the first pair of legs over one another.
 2. The clipof claim 1, wherein each of the second pair of legs includes an innerportion and an outer portion thereto.
 3. The clip of claim 2, whereinthe inner portions of the second pair of legs are adapted to wrap aroundthe side surface of the second reinforcing member.
 4. The clip of claim2, wherein the second pair of legs comprises a partial inner loop, whichfits around the side surface of the second reinforcing member.
 5. Theclip of claim 2, wherein the second pair of legs comprises a pair ofouter partial loops, which extend downward, and an inner partial loop,which extends upward.
 6. The clip of claim 5, wherein the outer partialloops are U-shaped, and the inner partial loop is U-shaped, the outerpartial loops facing an opposite direction of the inner partial loop. 7.The clip of claim 1, wherein the clip is formed from a single piece ofwire.
 8. The clip of claim 1, wherein the clip is formed of a stiffresiliently yielding material.
 9. The clip of claim 1, wherein the clipis formed of spring steel.
 10. The clip of claim 1, wherein the firstpair of legs includes a hook portion, which extends outward from amid-portion of each of the first pair of legs.
 11. The clip of claim 1,wherein a downward load imposed on the second pair of legs translatesinto an upward lift of the first pair of legs around the lower surfaceof the second reinforcing member.
 12. A system for joining reinforcingmembers comprising: a first reinforcing member; a second reinforcingmember, which resides perpendicular to the first reinforcing member; anda clip comprising: a first pair of legs, each of the legs of the firstpair of legs having a portion having a curvature thereto and adapted towrap around a lower surface of the first reinforcing member; a secondpair of legs, each of the legs of the second pair of legs having aninner surface adapted to exert a force against at least a portion of aside surface of the second reinforcing member; and a mid-portion, whichconnects the first pair of legs to the second pair of legs, and whereinthe mid-portion is formed by crossing the first pair of legs over oneanother.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein each of the second pair oflegs includes an inner portion and an outer portion thereto.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13, wherein the inner portions of the second pair oflegs are adapted to wrap around the side surface of the secondreinforcing member.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the second pairof legs comprises a partial inner loop, which fits around the sidesurface of the second reinforcing member.
 16. The system of claim 13,wherein the second pair of legs comprises a pair of outer partial loops,which extend downward, and an inner partial loop, which extends upward.17. The system of claim 16, wherein the outer partial loops areU-shaped, and the inner partial loop is U-shaped, the outer partialloops facing an opposite direction of the inner partial loop.
 18. Amethod of joining reinforcing members comprising: positioning a firstreinforcing member perpendicular to a second reinforcing member; andattaching the first reinforcing member to the second reinforcing memberwith a clip, the clip comprising: a first pair of legs, each of the legsof the first pair of legs having a portion having a curvature theretoand adapted to wrap around a lower surface of the first reinforcingmember; a second pair of legs, each of the legs of the second pair oflegs having an inner surface adapted to exert a force against at least aportion of a side surface of the second reinforcing member; and amid-portion, which connects the first pair of legs to the second pair oflegs, and wherein the mid-portion is formed by crossing the first pairof legs over one another.